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Lichens

Lichens are tiny plants, which are usually a combination of at least two organisms - a fungus and an algae.

The alga uses sunlight to make sugars or food which will feed both the fungus and the alga.  The fungus will create a body (called a 'thallus') which will house the organisms.

There are about 1700 British species, and they occupy a wide variety of habitats including bare stone walls and rocky shores.  Others have even been found on glass and plastic, and a recent survey of a rarely cleaned car revealed over 20 different lichen species!

Evernia prunastri

Cladonia bellidiflora

Cladonia fimbriata

Cladonia portentosa

Physcia tenella

Xanthoria candelaris

Xanthoria parietina

Related Pages

• Fungi Section
• Plants and Trees Section